Before the end of Summer

Chapter Five

Five

"What exactly do I need to explain?" This is not what I need right now. 

"What are you doing with one of our clients?" Client? I would hardly call Jesse a client. He wasn't paying me for anything, his parents were. 

"He's not a client. His parents are the ones that sign the check, so what's the problem?" 

"Problem is that you could completely mess fuck up our lively hood by fooling around with him!" Johnny's voice has gone from just being sharp to full blown yelling at me.  

"We went for ice cream! Is that a crime?" I shout back, I don't mean to get loud, but he can't speak to me this way.  

"I suppose you were actually invited this time?" Okay, now I'm pissed. He does not have to bring up the dinner again. I've already apologized for it. 

"She fucking lied! Okay? Jesse's not like that, as you can clearly see because we went out and he brought me back home and none of my knuckles are bruised." I should be walking away, but I just can't. Johnny can't control my life.  

"They're always nice at first! Didn't you learn anything?" 

"You don't even know him!" I yell and step to him. Johnny towers over me in height, I'm 5'2 and he's 6'2 

"Neither do you." His voice drops to a chilling whisper. Johnny steps close to me and looks down at me. It's meant to make me back away, but I'm not a little girl anymore. I don't get scared when he does this. 

"That's enough!" My mom yells as she comes down the stairs. "Both of you, back up!" She separates the two of us, and we back away with no problem. Johnny may think he's big and scary, but mom's word is still law. "Now what the hell is all the yelling about?" She puts her hands on her hips and glares at us. She keeps her eyes locked on me, and I know that I have to start explaining. 

"Johnny's the one with the problem mom, not me."  

"She's dating a client mom." He says, as if it's the most disgusting thing in the world. 

"When has that ever been a rule?" I retort. It isn't. I know that for a fact.  

"It wasn't necessary until now!" Johnny raises his voice again, and mom gives him a pointed look. He takes a deep breath to calm himself. "It didn't need to be a rule until you started putting the company in jeopardy. This is the second time you've done this, in one week." Again with the cheap shots? 

"For the last time, I'm sorry about putting the company in danger. I wasn't thinking when I punched her in the face, but it's done. Okay?" Mom looks sympathetic; at least she knows I'm sorry. "Jesse and I went out for ice cream at the Silky Cow, which we didn't even get to eat. He gave me a ride home when he realized I walked there. The end."  

"Did you tell her about your wistful sighing against the door?" Is he serious? 

"Okay, that's enough." Mom cuts in. "I can see both of your points clearly, but I'm going to side with Liz on this one."  

"But Ma-"  

"No buts Jonathan. I agree that the relationship could be a little risky, but if what Elizabeth says is true, than we have nothing to worry about. They're not dating, and there's nothing wrong with spending some time to get to know your clients." I almost feel victorious. I didn't miss how she referred to Jesse as a client as well. This is ridiculous.  

"He's not a client." 

"It's all the same Liz." She says. "I trust you'll be in complete control of things, and not let this friendship become anything more." I resist rolling my eyes. Mom isn't on my side. This is more of their stupid power struggle. Johnny wants to be in charge of everything, and mom can't let that happen. She talks in circles, but still agrees with everything he says.